Chlorocala africana
The green flower beetle — small, jewel-bright, and one of the easiest flower beetles in the hobby.
About Chlorocala africana
Chlorocala africana is a small cetoniine beetle from sub-Saharan Africa. Adults reach 18–25mm and display vivid metallic green colouration, sometimes with coppery or golden highlights depending on locality. They are diurnal, active, and breed readily in captivity.
Alongside Pachnoda, Chlorocala africana is one of the best starter flower beetles. The life cycle is fast (5–8 months egg to adult), care requirements are forgiving, and they produce enough offspring to sustain a colony without effort. If you want a colourful, low-maintenance beetle to learn the basics with, this is an excellent choice.
Larval care
Larvae are small white C-shaped grubs that feed on decaying organic matter. As with all cetoniines, they need properly fermented hardwood substrate — not regular compost or potting soil.
- Well-rotted deciduous hardwood mixed with coco coir
- Leaf litter and general organic debris are also acceptable substrate components — this is a forgiving species
- 10–15cm substrate depth
- Can be raised communally — one larva per 500ml of substrate is a good rule
- Keep moist but not waterlogged
- Replace substrate when it becomes mostly frass (every 2–3 months)
Larvae pupate in a small cocoon made from compacted substrate. Do not disturb pupating larvae — a broken cocoon is usually fatal. The pupal stage lasts 3–5 weeks.
Adult enclosure & feeding
A small ventilated enclosure (30×20×20cm) suits a group well. Provide cork bark, small branches, and leaf litter. Adults feed on beetle jelly, ripe fruit (banana, mango, peach), and flower petals. They are active during the day and fun to observe.
For breeding, include 10–15cm of moist rotted wood substrate in the enclosure. Females will burrow down to lay eggs without any special encouragement.
Breeding
C. africana breeds prolifically at 24–26°C. Eggs hatch in 2–3 weeks. A female can lay 20–30 eggs over her lifetime. With minimal effort, a colony will sustain itself generation after generation — making this species ideal for keepers who want a self-maintaining display group.